Are You a Creator or a Reactor?

The Important Distinction The stock market may go up - or down. But according to Jim Collins, that isn't the key distinction. Regardless of the market, what matters is whether you are a creator who is internally driven or a reactor who takes cues from the outside.

Creator Internally driven, externally aware Pursues creative strategy Discovers genetic talents and applies them Builds an economic engine to get things done Many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities Growth follows from creative contribution Ambitious first and foremost for the work Focuses on building relationships Values self-improvement for its own sake Sets 10-to-25-year audacious goals Core values inform all efforts Seeks self-actualization

Reactor Externally driven, without intrinsic passion Pursues competitive strategy Agenda of competence set by the outside world Gets things done to make a lot of money Few once-in-a-lifetime opportunities Seeks growth for growth's sake Ambitious first and foremost for self Focuses on transactions Driven largely by comparison to others Five years is long-term Nothing is sacred; expedience rules Seeks success